In a series of high-level meetings held in Bethlehem Governorate, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, met with Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia. The meeting was attended by committee members Dr. Khouloud Daibes and Jihad Khair, along with Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media.
Held at the governorate headquarters, the discussions centered on the somber atmosphere surrounding this year’s Easter celebrations, overshadowed by the ongoing Israeli massacres and crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. Both sides emphasized the profound sorrow and grief felt by Palestinians during what is traditionally a time of spiritual reflection and renewal.
Despite the painful circumstances, the leaders highlighted Easter’s enduring message of resilience and hope. They praised the churches’ active expressions of solidarity with the people of Gaza, particularly through acts of fasting and prayer. The Christian presence in Palestine, they affirmed, remains a powerful symbol of unity and shared destiny in the face of occupation.
In a related meeting, Dr. Khouri and members of the committee also convened with Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman and members of the municipal council. Discussions focused on the city’s current challenges amid these difficult circumstances, with particular attention to the implications during Easter celebrations. Both parties voiced hope for a future of peace and justice in Palestine.
The meeting also explored opportunities for closer cooperation between the committee and the municipality. Emphasis was placed on supporting community institutions in Bethlehem, especially given the escalating political and economic pressures facing the Palestinian cause.
